KWSG Urges Accurate Reporting from Online Media Practitioners
The Kwara State Government has called on members of the Association of Kwara State Online Media Practitioners (ASKOMP) to ensure accurate and factual news reporting at all times.
This appeal was made by the State Commissioner for Communications, Hon. Bolanle Olukoju, during a meeting with ASKOMP members in her office earlier today.
Hon. Olukoju emphasized that factual reporting is the cornerstone of journalism and urged journalists to avoid shoddy practices. “You must endeavor to report stories as they happen, and if you encounter any confusion, you can always reach out to the appropriate authority for clarification. My doors are always open for you. You can also reach me on my phone to get clarifications on any issues related to the Kwara State Government. Ensure you do your due diligence before proceeding to publication,” she stated.
In discussing collaboration with the association to enhance the projection of state government activities, Olukoju disclosed that the Ministry would partner with ASKOMP. “We shall be holding press briefings periodically, and you will be invited for coverage. His Excellency, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, is doing a lot that needs to be reported,” she added.
Addressing concerns about the alleged suppression of journalists in the state, Olukoju assured the guests that the State Government is friendly towards journalists. “Every profession has its ethics, which the practitioners must strictly adhere to. Failure to do so has consequences. Journalism is a profession with ethics, and to avoid the attendant consequences, you must follow what the ethics say. Make your findings well before you publish. Get clarifications on gray areas from the appropriate authority.”
The Chairman of ASKOMP and Publisher of Informant 24/7, Mr. Salihu Shola Taofiq, expressed gratitude to the Commissioner for meeting with them and sought clarification on the protocols involved in disseminating government activities. In response, the Commissioner explained that the Ministry of Communications handles such tasks and has been actively doing so.
Additionally, the Secretary of ASKOMP and Publisher of Factual Times, Mr. Oyewole Oyelola, sought the Ministry’s collaboration with the Association in the online publication of government activities. The Commissioner assured them of ongoing cooperation and support to ensure effective and factual dissemination of information.
